Sisters Joanna, 27, and Ella Tilley, 25, are running the London Marathon this month for Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston, the charity that supports unpaid carers and those they look after.

All of the sisters' efforts are in loving memory of their late father, Clive, who sadly lost his life aged just 57 to pulmonary fibrosis a year ago.

 Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare and fatal condition that causes irreversible scarring of the lungs, and Crossroads supported the family during Clive's final weeks, making this cause "particularly close" to their hearts.

Clive was the Director of Old Deer Parkrun, a passionate runner and the person who inspired his daughters' love of running. He also ran the London Marathon himself in 2008.

Speaking about Clive's accomplishments, Joanna said: "When Dad ran the London Marathon, he finished in an impressive four hours and 19 minutes. But honestly, Ella and I will just be pleased to get round.

"Running the London Marathon was only one of Dad's many sporting achievements, and it's one that's always stayed with us. He inspired us to follow in his footsteps, even though for him simply getting out to Parkrun on a Saturday morning was achievement enough for anyone."

Ella ran the Kew Half Marathon as part of her training (Image supplied)

Ella added: "Dad encouraged us to give everything in life a go, especially when it came to getting active. He loved the sense of community that running brought, the quiet encouragement between strangers and the shared understanding of effort.

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"We know he would have been so proud of us for attempting this run. Without a doubt, he would have been the first to offer tips, training plans and encouragement. In the short time Dad spent with his Crossroads carers, they all heard how proud he was that we were keen runners."

Even though pulmonary fibrosis worsens over time, Clive kept going for as long as he could, and even cycled up Mount Ventoux in Southern France in July 2024 with the aid of an e-bike.

However, he eventually became dependent on supplementary oxygen, wheelchairs, and a stairlift at home.

Joanna continued: "In Dad's final weeks, care became increasingly demanding. 

"Caring for someone you love is physically and emotionally exhausting, and all of us, including our mum, Cathy, were so grateful for the support of the brilliant team at Crossroads. Their help made an immeasurable difference at an incredibly difficult time."

The sisters, who are based in Richmond, say they "would love local support to help Crossroads continue their work for carers in the community. 

They are already 84% of the way to their target, having raised £5,023 of their £6,000 target.

On Sunday (29 March) Ella ran the Kew Half Marathon as part of her training, and both sisters have also completed several Parkruns at Old Deer Park, where their dad was a director, as part of their training.  

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Donations can be made via the sisters' fundraising page here.